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Overview

Description

Since Tony Cairoli first took a 350 SX-F to the top of the MX1 World Championship in 2010, the Red Bull KTM athlete has dominated the class aboard this nimble but powerful bike with five consecutive World Championship titles. No surprises here, with the combination of 450-class muscle and the agility of a 250. Who said you can’t have everything?

All-In-One

Engine: The engine of the 350 SX-F features a compact and very light (27.2kg) construction. Its DOHC (double overheard camshaft) design with lightweight titanium valves and DLC coated finger followers allows for lively but strong engine characteristics. Fitted with the latest electronic fuel injection system and electric starter, it has an extremely wide usable speed range, high performance and incredibly efficient rideability. The 350 SX-F engine shares the same layout as the one in the 250 SX-F, its playful handling similar to a 250 machine resulting mainly from reducing the moving masses to a minimum.

Cylinder Head: The cylinder head features two overhead camshafts with friction-optimized finger followers boasting a DLC coating and high-flow ports. Four lightweight titanium valves maximize the flow rate for an optimal power band and outstanding performance across the seemingly endless rev range of 13,400rpm, power peaking at 58hp. New lateral brackets now made of aluminum instead of steel allow an efficient fixation of the engine to the frame and cut any excess weight.

Crankshaft: The 350 SX-F’s crankshaft utilizes a short connecting rod, which makes for an overall compact and lightweight engine with a snappy power delivery. A plain big-end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells runs directly on the crank pin. This design is a major prerequisite for the extremely high engine speeds and the unrivaled maximum power of the 350cm3 engine. Not only that, it also enhances the engine’s durability, allowing long crankshaft service intervals – a customer benefit in respect of time, effort and cost.

Engine Management System: The state-of-the-art Keihin Engine Management System with electronic fuel injection features a 44mm throttle body. Thanks to its unique injector position, the engine’s response is instantaneous. And to make life even easier, separate systems for cold starts and idle adjustment await you. The lightweight ECU features a unique traction and launch control system for lightning-quick response when the bar drops and maximized grip thanks to different maps that sync with to the gear you’re in. As an ultimate bonus, the rider can unleash an even more powerful mapping via the handlebar map switch.

Cylinder And Piston: Inside the short cylinder, with a bore of 88mm, thumps a box-type piston made by CP. Its crown geometry is adapted perfectly to the high-compression combustion chamber (14:1), where its rigid structure and low weight shine. Thanks to the low oscillating masses, the engine is both snappy and strong.

Counter Balancer Shaft: In order to balance the mass-forces, the 350 SX-F engine uses a multifunctional counter balance shaft, which at the same time drives the water pump and timing chain. Win, win, win!

Electric Starter: The 350 SX-F is fitted with a unique electric starter as standard, which is a clear advantage when it comes to crunch time in the heat of battle. A strong starter motor made by Mitsuba and the proven starter drive will fire up your track star time and time again at the push of a button.

Transmission: The reliable 5-speed gearbox features a special surface treatment on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears for best reliability. The advanced ´No Dirt´ gear lever design prevents dirt from blocking the joint of the lever and guarantees a safe activation of the transmission. All 4-stroke engines are fitted with a gear sensor to give the option of different engine characteristics for each gear.

Engine Cases And Covers: The design of the die-cast engine cases minimizes weight and allows for a very centralized shaft configuration. This makes the engine short and compact, while contributing to an efficient centralization of masses. The engine covers also feature a solid surface structure, which reduce the wear caused by the rider’s boots. Brilliant.

Clutch: The highly compact CSS clutch (coil spring steel) features a wear-free steel basket fitted with seven clutch plates, which are extremely heat resistant due to their steel carrier discs. The Brembo hydraulic system provides easy and precise modulation.

Agile Athlete

99.8 kg: The main target for the KTM engineers when developing the SX models was a massive weight reduction compared to the previous generation. The result: the current SX-F models are the slimmest, lightest bikes in the competition, even though the 4-strokes are equipped with an electric starter as a standard feature, while the competition still needs to be kick started. You can focus on kicking ass.

Frame: The high-tech, lightweight chrome-moly steel frame has a knack for easy handling, outlandish rideability, precise cornering and excellent stability. You can also count on high torsional rigidity and low longitudinal stiffness. This results in better absorption of the energy created from the front and rear suspension, sucking up jumps and bumps. In short: more comfort and less rider fatigue. Laterally attached, lightweight aluminum engine head stays (the connection between cylinder head and frame) contribute to more precise cornering and a reduced vibration level. The engineers were able to pull off all that, while making their frame a big fat kilogram lighter than that of the lightest competitor on the market. In addition, it is easier to maintain, easier to work on and supplies more space for the tank and other components. The bike also features an extra-light subframe made of stable aluminum profiles, which tiptoes the scales at less than 900g.

Footpegs: Sophisticated ´No Dirt´ footpegs prevent smudging up the pegs, even when digging in deep ruts. Looking for a higher riding position? Then just mount the footpegs of the MY2017 EXC models, which are 6mm higher than the SX versions.

Airbox: The airbox design offers maximum protection of the air filter against soiling, while ensuring maximum airflow. The large twin-air filter is mounted in a stiff cage, which at the same time holds the system in place. This design is so simple, you could still pop a fresh one in with a face full of mud. Without tools. In seconds.

Exhaust: FIM noise limits are a real challenge for every manufacturer. Therefore, KTM has put a lot of effort into the development of their exhaust systems. All 4-strokes are fitted with header pipes that have a unique standard feature; an additional resonator system – a small chamber connected to the pipe. On top of that, they get a short silencer, mounted as close to the engine as possible. You know what that means: extra mass centralization and better rideability. An advanced internal design reduces the noise sufficiently in order to sit safely below the FIM noise limit (112 dB(A) at 2 meter max.), while still raising the hairs on your neck.

Handlebar: KTM engineers sure know how to handle handlebars. This tapered one, made of high-strength aluminum by NEKEN, is fixed in damped rubber mountings and has two different positions. From MY2017 onwards, the lower handlebar clamps are separated, while on the upper side a new bridge-type clamp guarantees more torsional stiffness. It’s also easier to replace the bar in case it gets twisted in a nasty crash. An ODI volcanized grip sits on the right, while on the left side of the bar a comfortable ODI lock-on grip is mounted, which does not require any wire or glue to be fixed.

Brakes: You couldn’t brake any harder, better, faster or stronger. These high-tech Brembo babies are combined with lightweight wave discs made by Galfer. For MY2017, the rear brake features a 10mm longer brake pedal and you get new, less aggressive brake pads all round.

Seat: Tailored to meet the needs of the world’s fastest backsides, this durable seat offers great comfort. For MY2017, a new cover pampers its riders even more with better feel and grip.

Cooling System: KTM’s proven cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to aluminum radiators made by WP. Due to flow optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated air ventilation, the system is superbly efficient. In addition, well thought-out radiator guards integrated in the front part of the spoilers provide protection in case of crashes.

Bring It On

Monoshock: The WP monoshock has been developed with the entire frame and swingarm architecture in mind, including the linkage system and the WP AER 48 front forks. It features machined and black anodized components and is a valuable, high-end product compared to roughcast reservoirs. A new setting and a softer spring perfectly match the reworked front-end set-up and its sparkling WP color scheme lets everyone know you have excellent taste in suspension.

Forks: The lightweight WP AER 48 front fork, a 48mm USD air-sprung fork developed by WP in close collaboration with KTM, is a split fork with separate functions for each leg. That means damping functions are on the right side, whereas the air spring is in the left. This left leg features a two-chamber system with a capsuled air cartridge to prevent loss of air pressure. Should the outer seal start to leak, the internal cartridge pressure will keep the bike in position. The air spring is easy to adjust to any rider weight via a single air valve. No special tools are required; the air pump supplied with the bike will do just fine. The right fork leg integrates a damping cartridge that tailors to all your damping needs. It can be adjusted to the track conditions and the rider’s preferences with a twist of a dial (compression from the top, rebound from the bottom, 30 clicks each). For MY2017, the AER 48 also features redesigned outer tubes with better bending characteristics, smoother operation and less friction. Plus: they’ve lost some weight (265g). Right off the dealer floor, these forks are more comfortable and more sensitive than ever. But you can still hammer the hell out of them.

Triple Clamp: Top quality, CNC machined triple clamps have been something of a KTM trademark for years. Ensuring a precise handling, they perceptibly support the flex characteristics, and with it the action of the forks. For MY2017, the upper triple clamp specifically features a redesign in conjunction with the new fork tubes. The rubber damped handlebar fixation has also been reworked and the lower handlebar clamps are now separated, while on the upper side a new bridge-type clamp guarantees more torsional stiffness and can easily be replaced in case it gets twisted due to a crash. In addition, an hour meter is fitted at the upper triple clamp in order to let the rider know it’s time for a service. Or a cold drink.

Electrifying

Handlebar Map Switch: All 4-stroke models are equipped with a sophisticated new multi-functional handlebar map switch, which does three things: Activation of the traction control; Activation of the launch control; Selection of an alternative power curve (Standard or Advanced),The traction control is a unique feature none of the competitors can offer so far. It guarantees more efficient traction and better control of the bike when accelerating. You’ll especially notice this on a rainy day. Push the button and reign supreme. With this map switch the rider can also activate the launch control, which provides more efficient starts out of the gate so you can go for the holeshot, time and time again. How? It simply reduces the maximum engine speed for the very first moment of the start, in order to give you better control. Push both buttons when the engine idles and the EFI control lamp mounted on the upper triple clamps will let you know your bomb is live. In addition, the map switch gives the rider the chance to select an alternative, more powerful map beside the standard configuration. Don’t you just love the idea of a boost button?

Battery & Wiring Harness: All SX-F engines are fitted with the proven electric starter – a unique KTM feature and a major benefit at all levels of motocross racing. A super compact and lightweight 495g Lithium-Ion starter battery breathes life into the engine and contributes to low vehicle weight. The battery and wiring harness are centralized in a compartment above the airbox, allowing the mechanic to remove the subframe without getting in conflict with the electrics. Because a happy mechanic, is a good mechanic.

Electric Starter: Like all KTM 4-stroke motorcycles, the 350 SX-F is started at the push of a button - a priceless advantage when you’re on the clock.

His Coolness

Bodywork: KTM R&D, Kiska Design and all our factory riders had their say in shaping the plastics. Their goal: complete harmony between rider and bike. And so it turned out. Perfect ergonomics and contact points, maximum freedom of movement, a low seat height and sweet comfort, especially in the rear part of the seat. The I-beam structures of the front and rear fenders are prime examples of such an intelligent design, guaranteeing maximum stability and a low weight thanks to well thought-out construction and mounting. Plus: they stay cleaner for longer.

Graphics: A new, tailor-made kit, fit for a king. Because in this sport, champs deserve to look the part regardless of the dirt.